Tools

[raghtal]

Over the years I have amassed a real mishmash of tools; one off items (like jigs for cutting out holes in doors for doorknobs), various drill bit sets, socket sets, metric and imperial high speed screwdriver bits, etc etc

I'd like to get myself some quality tools. I mostly do odd jobs around the house; rehang door here, change a doorknob there. Not alot of use for saws and blades; lot of work with fasteners, paints, thing of that nature.

I want to have a eye on getting tools that will also make sense for working on the car too. I don't want to have like, 2-3 different sets of things from different vendors.

I've got myself settled in the paint department; good drop cloths, good trays, good paints, brushes, tapes, openers, mixers. I have the core of what I need to do a good job, and that's all I need.

I'd like to have something similar for other odd jobs around the house. I have my Dremel (love it) my DeWalt drill, and a couple of good chisels and knives. It's the age of my crap Husky/Fuller drill bits, sockets, screw bits and Jet screwdrivers, etc that is driving me insane.

Any suggestions?

[kz9]

I have almost every hand tool Mastercraft has made and love every piece. Plus the fact that if you are patient enough you can buy every piece for at least 50% off.

Power tools are Ryobi. They are a great tool for around the house and they don't cost much. I also use these in my trade which get used and abuse everyday and they seem to like it. But for heavy use I have my 18v Dewalt XRP hammerdrill and sawsall.

Automotive and Air tools are Matco. They are fairly new into the auto sector and my buddy introducted them to me. 1400ftlb rev and 950ftlb fwr for a impact gun is all I will ever need. To bad the rep Chris in his truck is gone to afgaistan, but they are looking to get a new district rep.

[thekid]

Phil, we carry Jet, Genius and Gray tools.

If you see any part #'s you like let me know!

[iJay]

Craftsman for this everyday jobs.

I bought a rachet set from them about 5 years ago, I just broke one of the handles on the weekend, went in yesterday handed them the broken one, they handed me a new one, no questions no paper work.

I picked up a cordless drill from them, NO issues I hardly ever have to charge the battery I use it almost every weekend for something or the other.

I picked up a screwdriver set as well, going back for a drill bit set soon. I bought a drill bit set from mastercraft, that shit was mastercrap. Drill bits broke in wood, bits shredded to shit.

[midnitehour]

^ If you're breaking metal bits in wood, you're doing something wrong.

drill bits are disposable and aren't supposed to last a lifetime. even the best bits will break if used incorrectly.

[thekid]

Drill bits broke in wood, bits shredded to shit.
Are you sure they weren't Jobmate?

I've never had any issues with Mastercaft stuff, and similar to craftsman, all hand tools have a lifetime warranty, simply go to a CT and exchange.

[midnitehour]

To Phil

If you're on a tight budget, may i suggest princess auto. Their tools are relatively cheap and pretty much guaranteed as long as they stay in business.

Don't expect tools from CT or Sears to stack up to pro level tools, they just won't. pro level being snap-on, mac etc.

I have a mastercraft maximum 160ish piece socket and wrench set, and I haven't had a problem with a single piece, and i use it regularly

Note, i use them in combination with other wrenches and sockets that I've collected over time, as the set is never really "complete" as i always find myself needing two of the same item.

One thing i do recommend is investing in a good tool chest. There's nothing worse than owning a 200 piece socket set and then missing the 3/4" 10mm socket.

This may be too late for you as you're married, but i told my gf that if she wants an engagement ring from me then I want this as the male equivalent

http://www.andys-kars.co.uk/images/tools.jpg

[thekid]

^ My GF at the time bought be me a tool chest on the same premise, she got an engagement ring a few months later!

[Cocco]

^ I got a snowboard and a trip to Tremblant as my male equivilant, I already have tons of tools :cool: But smart thinking Jeff

[iJay]

Are you sure they weren't Jobmate?

I've never had any issues with Mastercaft stuff, and similar to craftsman, all hand tools have a lifetime warranty, simply go to a CT and exchange.


Positive I ll take a pic of the casing 2 nite and post up.
But for real maybe I was doing something wrong but simple stright forward, hold the bit to the wood and press firmly against it while the bit is spinning, I dont think there is much to mess up. It was a 2x4 pressure treated peice of wood.

[CrazyCaker]

I bought a drill bit set from mastercraft, that shit was mastercrap. Drill bits broke in wood, bits shredded to shit.

Drill straight next time ;)

I've never had a problem with mastercraft drill bits, besides them getting dull quickly, but I sharpen my own anyways so it's not a big deal.

[Cocco]

Positive I ll take a pic of the casing 2 nite and post up.
But for real maybe I was doing something wrong but simple stright forward, hold the bit to the wood and press firmly against it while the bit is spinning, I dont think there is much to mess up. It was a 2x4 pressure treated peice of wood.

did you put the right end in the drill? :p

[CrazyCaker]

Positive I ll take a pic of the casing 2 nite and post up.
But for real maybe I was doing something wrong but simple stright forward, hold the bit to the wood and press firmly against it while the bit is spinning, I dont think there is much to mess up. It was a 2x4 pressure treated peice of wood.

What size bit? If it's a small bit, the flutes will get clogged up pretty quickly drilling the way you said you did, and pressing continously on it will snap it for sure.

[iJay]

I preseed and then released the trigger and pulled the bit back out to clear the shaving and kept going. It may have had a small angle on it as for the size I will check when I get home I know it was small. When it snapped I touched it to see if maybe it was overly hot, which it wasnt.

[iJay]

did you put the right end in the drill? :p

Put the bit make it spind and press the battery on the wood right?:confused:

Yea man lol!

[raghtal]

^ Thanks. That's pretty helpful. I love my DeWalt drill (http://www.dewalt.com/us/products/tool_detail.asp?productID=8780). Never a problem with it, and it holds a charge for a good while. Same goes for my random orbit sander (http://www.dewalt.com/us/products/tool_detail_listing.asp?categoryID=1459). I also have a nice 13 piece drill set (http://www.dewalt.com/us/products/accessory_detail.asp?productID=2297) , so maybe I should ask for a screwdriving set (http://www.dewalt.com/us/products/accessory_detail.asp?productID=2311) , a socket adapter and pick some of the more common socket sizes for Father's day, and then pick up a good quality socket and wrench set that can work on standard and metric nuts and bolts.

Anyone had experience with Metrinch?

http://www.diyanswerguy.com/tools/metrinch-socekt-set.jpg

[raghtal]

One thing i do recommend is investing in a good tool chest.



Yeah, too late for me. No use trying to convince my wife I'm handy enough to warrant a large tool chest. The Mastercraft red tool box is a fair reflection on my ability.

http://shop2.aol.ca/ss/media/20782000/20782215.jpg

Nothing says "I'll take a look, but if its more than a couple of hours, we're calling someone over" like the married-mans red tool box.

[Royson]

As far as tool chests go, for the casual garage-heros, my parents bought me a "Jobmate" tool chest last year. The total cost was around 110 bucks on sale for it, and its actually not bad.

I've got all of my tools stored in it and use it pretty often. And I don't baby any of my stuff. Its held up well and I've had no problems.

So if anybody does want a nice rolling chest but wants to save some cash, its a thought.

Oh, and almost all my tools are Mastercraft too. Broke one socket and one torque wrench in the years I've been using it.

[CulRidr]

If you want a socket set, I suggest getting one of those "boxes" CT sells. They'll have pretty much all that you'd ever need...and if not, is a GREAT starting point if you don't want to shell out for one of those 600$ kits they sell.

This is a stupid good deal going on during the Father's day sale (TONS of good deals):
http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/6/Tools/Sockets/SocketSets/PRD~0589231P/Stanley%2B149-piece%2BProfessional%2BGrade%2BBlack%2BSocket%2BSet.jsp

This is a great deal, although not necessarily as good quality as the Maximum line:
http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/6/Tools/Sockets/SocketSets/PRD~0589235P/Mastercraft%2B241-piece%2BSocket%2BSet.jsp

And this is an updated version of the kit I have and love, but is shy on wrenches, which isn't a big deal since they have some stupid good deals on those sets right now as well:
http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/6/Tools/Sockets/SocketSets/PRD~0589265P/Mastercraft%2BMaximum%2B130-piece%2BSocket%2BSet.jsp

[dead_cactus]

And this is an updated version of the kit I have and love, but is shy on wrenches, which isn't a big deal since they have some stupid good deals on those sets right now as well:
http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/6/Tools/Sockets/SocketSets/PRD~0589265P/Mastercraft%2BMaximum%2B130-piece%2BSocket%2BSet.jsp

Sounds like i've got the same kit as well. If you wait this kit can usually be bought on sale for close to $100.

The majority of my hand tools are Mastercraft, got a couple tools from Princess Auto and some Craftsman stuff. Power tools i've always liked my Dewalt stuff for woodworking, also have some Ryobi, Milwaukee and Porter Cable tools.

In my opinion the best advice would be to stay away from the cheap shit like Jobmate, spend some more money on your tools and they will last a lifetime.

[kevcol74]

For the average "self mechanic", nothing beats Mastercraft, period. I've had my socket set for 12 years, only replaced my 3/8 drive ratchet in that time span, not really to do with it being defective (don't use it as a hammer FTR), but they replaced it no problem. Power tools, Mastercraft. I have one of their 'impact drivers" 14.4V, and I kept pace with my neighbour's Makita impact driver all weekend when we built our fences. Besides, hand tools have the lifetime warranty, power tools have a 5 year warranty! And the beauty, they always go on sale fro 50-60% or more off!
List:
Mastercraft 131 Piece socket set (chose this due to no wreches in the set)
14 peice metric wrench set (professional series, pre "Maximum series")
14 peice sae wrench set (pro series)
10 peice metric "stubby" wrench set
10 peice SAE "stubby" wrench set
Titanium Drill bits (broke the 1/8", my bad)
1/2" Drive Torque Wrench
3/8" drive torque wrench
Screwdriver set (30 peice?)
Robogrips (set of 2)
Locking Pliers (set of 4)
Multi Plier Set (set of 4)
Reciprocating Saw
7 1/4" Circular Saw (Laser Guided)
14.4V Impact Driver
Jig Saw (Laser Guided)
4.5" Grinder
7.5A Impact wrench
Rotary Tool Kit
Folding Work Table
Digital Multimeter
More I'm likely forgetting

Others:
DeWalt 1/2" Hammer Drill
Black and Decker Mouse Sander
Princess auto Line Wrenches (SAE and Metric)
P.A. OBDII Code Reader
Digital Timing Light (brand eludes me at the moment)

I've restored cars, and wrench on them almost daily, and these tools DO hold up. Only ones I've busted - Jobmate.

[CrazyCaker]

I've got more tools then I can keep track of (and space to store them all :p). On the rare occassion I find I need something I don't have, I buy it and add to the ever growing collection. My latest purchase was the Dremel Multi-Max (a handheld oscillating tool), which is extremely handy and so precise it's crazy. It alone replaced many other hand tools I would normally use (eg. chisels, drywall saw, mouse sander), it can cut basically anything with the right tool bits. Highly recommended.

[kevcol74]

^ I hear you Joe... That isn't my entire list, just the majors in it! lol I'd have to go through my garage to see everything thats in there, then the basement for a few more...
That Dremel Multi-Max looks sweet! And father's day is coming...hmmm......

WooHoo, its on sale at CT to boot! :P

[991.8l]

Yeah, too late for me. No use trying to convince my wife I'm handy enough to warrant a large tool chest. The Mastercraft red tool box is a fair reflection on my ability.

http://shop2.aol.ca/ss/media/20782000/20782215.jpg

Nothing says "I'll take a look, but if its more than a couple of hours, we're calling someone over" like the married-mans red tool box.

LOL this is so true. Mine is a rubbermade box full of random tools... then the rest is scattered on a shelf. I gotta pickup some good tools when I move into our new home.

[CrazyCaker]

WooHoo, its on sale at CT to boot! :P

Good to know! I paid full pop for it at Home Depot, but only because CT is retarded and sells it but not the tool bits for it. :noidea:

[midnitehour]

here a side note, if you do need to get rotary dremel bits, check the 1/8" rotozip bits first, they tend to be alot cheaper for essentially the same item, perhaps even better.

[AKRISONER]

unfortunately all of "my" tools are actually my dads, Its a huge bonus for me because i have 30 years worth of tool accumulations in my garage, just ask john, however I am totally screwed if I ever move away where its too far to just work at my parents house.

I swear the amount of times ive been stuck or im trying to do something and my dad comes into the room and says what the hell are you doing using that here, and hands me a tool to do that job specifically is insane. Largely in part because my dad built an entire cottage in Manitoba on his own, including plumbing and wiring.

cant go wrong with a good set of clamps, a vice, a solid set of wrenches and sockets and various screw drivers of all lengths, spark plug wrenches, an electricians pliers, a grinder and an air compressor, if you have all of these you can nearly do anything.

As far as brands go 90% of the tools in my garage including the chests are crafstman, we have never ever had a problem with anything and my dad has used craftsmen tools since he was a kid working on a farm with his dad.

[kevcol74]

^ Sounds like I've done what you fear. My dad lives near London, and I moved to Kitchener.... I miss his garage! lol

[solo.]

If you don't have any tools, you guys should head over to Home Depot. They have a 40pcs socket set made by Husky for $14.99!!! Can't really go wrong with that!

[TheMAN]

To Phil

If you're on a tight budget, may i suggest princess auto. Their tools are relatively cheap and pretty much guaranteed as long as they stay in business.

Don't expect tools from CT or Sears to stack up to pro level tools, they just won't. pro level being snap-on, mac etc.

I have a mastercraft maximum 160ish piece socket and wrench set, and I haven't had a problem with a single piece, and i use it regularly

Note, i use them in combination with other wrenches and sockets that I've collected over time, as the set is never really "complete" as i always find myself needing two of the same item.

One thing i do recommend is investing in a good tool chest. There's nothing worse than owning a 200 piece socket set and then missing the 3/4" 10mm socket.

This may be too late for you as you're married, but i told my gf that if she wants an engagement ring from me then I want this as the male equivalent

http://www.andys-kars.co.uk/images/tools.jpg
don't over indulge yourself in the "professional" brands
they make crappy stuff and some of their stuff is the same as their competitors too

granted, snap-on's sockets kicks ass and matco's ratchets are the shit, but some of their tools like screwdrivers aren't just worth the money

there's an old saying amongst the old farts at the shops... those who get the job done have a beat to hell toolbox but those who like to brag have a shiny $15000 snap-on toolbox and WAY in debt

in otherwords, there's plenty of shit talkers everywhere about craftsman and the good ol' boys I know used whatever mix of brands that worked, including craftsman... they never had real problems with what they were using because they know what to look for and choose the right stuff!

I've used my craftsman professionally for years and only broke an allen socket, u-joint extension, and worn out a spark plug socket... I've abused the shit out of my ratchets (5 foot cheater pipe anyone?) and they're still going strong... these are all canadian craftsman ones as the american ones are quite different and ARE crappy

I never got in debt over tools and always waited for sales at sears to come up (replacing some of my cheap harbor freight tools from ages ago)... I saved so much money this way, including the ball bearing drawer toolbox (you'll need it when you got thousands of dollars of tools weighing it down)... what I have does 90% of a car, maybe more... of course my tool "collecting" isn't over yet, but money is always the issue ;) it's ridiculous going crazy in debt in tools when you're trying to LIVE on fixing cars... why enslave yourself over tools?

I do own a few snap-on things myself, such as impact wrenches, torque wrenches, screwdrivers, valve shim tool, and deep sockets... but nothing much to brag about

bottom line is, craftsman has never really failed me but there are shortcomings I am fully aware of... and what tools aren't good enough, gets replaced (but not thrown out... it just goes to the junk yard toolbag)


my next to-do list:
get matco ratchets, including long handled 3/8" ones
get inch-pound snap-on torque wrench
get makita electric impact/flash light/drill set
some good quality japanese or european METRIC drill bit set
tap & die set
rethreading set
MORE socket holders
long type snap-on combination wrenches (with 6 point box end)

$$$$$$$$

[Polini33]

One thing I've learned over the years of car repairs involving socket wrenches is this: If you have a stubborn bolt (aren't they all), DO NOT USE A CHEAP SOCKET. IT WILL BREAK. I broke three 14mm sockets last week in one sitting trying to get my wheel hub off. Still didn't happen. I was even lucky to have three of them to begin with, now I have zero. Stick to one of the namebrands i.e. mastercraft/craftsman/etc etc.

[raghtal]

CT has a sale on right now on some tools.

Like, 75% off a 3/8" socket bit set (http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/6/Tools/Sockets/SocketSets/PRD~0587373P/Mastercraft%252B14-piece%252B3%25252B8-in.%252BBitset.jsp?locale=en#BVRRWidgetID).

http://s7d5.scene7.com/is/image/CanadianTire/0587373_1?$large$&defaultImage=image_na_EN

[dead_cactus]

Thats a socket bit set

[Ejoe19]

Mastercraft and CT FTW.

Here's another solid deal:
http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/6/Tools/Sockets/SocketSets/PRD~0589275P/Mastercraft%252BMaximum%252B201-Pc%252BSocket%252BSet/CROSSSELL~0589231%20Stanley%2B141-piece%2BProfessional%2BGrade%2BBlack%2BChrome%2BSocket%2BSet.jsp?locale=en

[Mike_Moss]

Wow, that is great! I'm pickin' that up!!!

[Mike_Moss]

Great price on a 2 ton shop crane @princessauto http://t.co/w3WJyor

[midnitehour]

Great price on a 2 ton shop crane @princessauto http://t.co/w3WJyor


make sure you're there early.. last time they were sold out.